WHAT’S A GOOD SIDE?
Grandma’s Potato Salad
Array/5
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
30 min plus cooling and chilling time
SERVINGS
8-10 servings
There’s something extra special about a recipe that’s been passed down from generation to generation. This is my Grandma’s Potato Salad—simple, a little sweet, a little tangy, and absolutely packed with nostalgic summer flavor.
With just a handful of ingredients, this potato salad is perfect for BBQs, potlucks, family dinners, or anytime you want to serve a comforting, made-with-love side dish. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together—easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Potato Salad
- Only a few ingredients – No fancy steps or hard-to-find items.
- Sweet + tangy flavor – A perfect balance that’s totally crave-worthy.
- Make-ahead friendly – Tastes even better after chilling in the fridge!
- Nostalgic & comforting – Feels like a big warm hug from grandma.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Potatoes (red potatoes or russet)
- hard boiled eggs
- yellow onion
- mayo
- white vinegar
- sugar
- salt/pepper
That’s it! Simple pantry staples that come together in the most delicious way.
How to Make Grandma’s Potato Salad
1. Peel and boil the potatoes until a fork slides in easily. Drain and cool completely.
2. Hard boil eggs, cool and then peel.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayo, sugar, vinegar, chopped onions, salt and pepper. Taste test and then adjust to your taste preference.
4. Chop potatoes into cubes and add to a large bowl. Also chop the hard boiled eggs and add them to the same bowl.
5. Pour mayo mixture over the potatoes and eggs and mix so everything is covered.
6. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Tips for the Best Potato Salad
- Let the potatoes cool before mixing so the mayo doesn’t separate.
- Adjust the sweetness to tartness – If you like it less sweet, cut back on the sugar. You want more tart then add more vinegar.
- Add-ins welcome! – Chopped celery, chopped bacon, or a sprinkle of paprika on top if you want to jazz it up.
Make It Ahead
This potato salad is perfect for making the day before your party or get-together. The flavors have time to blend and it tastes even better the next day. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container until ready to serve.
A Family Favorite
Every time I make this potato salad, it brings back memories of growing up. It was served at every family function, it’s what we grew up on. It’s simple, classic, and made with love.
Whether you’re serving this at your next summer BBQ or just want a nostalgic side dish for dinner, I hope this potato salad brings a little warmth and comfort to your table, too.
More Easy Summer Side Dishes To Try
Skillet Honey Corn
Broccoli Pasta Salad
Mexican Corn Salad
Print
Grandma’s Potato Salad
This simple potato salad recipe is a nostalgic family favorite! Grandma’s Potato Salad is sweet, a little tart, and made with just a few ingredients—perfect for summer BBQs, picnics, and potlucks.
Ingredients
5lbs red or russet potatoes- peeled, boiled, cooled, chopped
9–10 hard boiled eggs- cooled, peeled, chopped
1/2 yellow onion- chopped
1 cup mayo
2 1/2 Tablespoons sugar (more to taste)
2 Tablespoons white vinegar (more to taste)
big pinch of salt and pepper
Instructions
1. Peel and boil the potatoes until a fork slides in easily. Drain and cool completely.
2. Hard boil eggs, cool and then peel.
3. In a medium bowl, mix together the 1 cup mayo, 2 1/2 Tablespoons sugar, 2 Tablespoons white vinegar, 1/2 onion- chopped, and a big pinch of salt and pepper. Taste test and then adjust to your taste preference.
4. Chop potatoes into cubes and add to a large bowl. Also chop the hard boiled eggs and add them to the same bowl.
5. Pour mayo mixture over the potatoes and eggs and mix so everything is covered.
6. Cover and chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Notes
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